docketcity.com
Home › Whatcom County › Meetings

Council

November 5, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final ·HYBRID MEETING (PARTICIPATE IN-PERSON, SEE REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR CALL 360.778.5010); AGENDA REVISED 11.4.2025

Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 100 items

  1. 1 COUNTY COUNCIL ▶ jump to 0:02
  2. 2 CALL TO ORDER ▶ jump to 1:11
  3. 3 ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 1:26
  4. 4 FLAG SALUTE ▶ jump to 1:42
  5. 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS ▶ jump to 2:00
  6. 6 COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S REPORT ▶ jump to 2:12
  7. 7 MINUTES CONSENT ▶ jump to 2:19
  8. 1. Committee of the Whole for October 21, 2025 MIN2025-070 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 2:19
  9. 2. Regular County Council for October 21, 2025 MIN2025-071 APPROVED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 2:19
  10. 10 INTRODUCTION ITEMS ▶ jump to 2:47
  11. 1. Ordinance repealing Whatcom County Code 2.170, Forest Resilience Task Force AB2025-749 INTRODUCED Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  12. 2. Ordinance establishing the Opioid Settlement Fund and establishing a budget for the Opioid Settlement Fund AB2025-756 INTRODUCED Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  13. 3. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County Road purposes for 2026 AB2025-783 INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  14. 4. Resolution authorizing the levy of taxes for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District for 2026 (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-784 INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  15. 14 Motion approved to Introduce for Public Hearing on December 2nd and schedule for Committee of the Whole discussion on November 18.
  16. 5. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County and State purposes in Whatcom County, Washington, for the year of 2026 AB2025-788 INTRODUCED FOR PUBLIC HEARING Pass ▶ jump to 2:46
  17. 16 PUBLIC HEARINGS ▶ jump to 5:28
  18. 16 Motion approved to Introduce for Public Hearing on December 2nd and schedule for Committee of the Whole discussion on November 18.
  19. 17 COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNTY BUDGET ITEMS ▶ jump to 6:43
  20. 1. Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 1, in the amount of $20,970,606 AB2025-707 ▶ jump to 6:43
  21. 18 Motion approved to Introduce for Public Hearing on December 2nd and schedule for Committee of the Whole discussion on November 18.
  22. 2. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for Conservation Futures purposes for 2026 AB2025-719 ▶ jump to 6:43
  23. 3. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County Road purposes for 2026 AB2025-721 ▶ jump to 6:43
  24. 4. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for countywide emergency medical purposes for 2026 AB2025-723 ▶ jump to 6:43
  25. 5. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County and State purposes in Whatcom County, Washington, for the year of 2026 AB2025-725 ▶ jump to 6:43
  26. 23 COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING ON FCZDBS BUDGET ITEMS ▶ jump to 103:03
  27. 6. Resolution adopting 2026 budget for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Subzones (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-711 ▶ jump to 103:02
  28. 7. Resolution authorizing the levy of taxes for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District for 2026 (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-709 ▶ jump to 103:02
  29. 26 OTHER PUBLIC HEARINGS ▶ jump to 107:27
  30. 26 Public testimony was received on the five files above. See Notes under AB2025-707.
  31. 8. Resolution adopting the 2026-2031 Six-Year Water Resources Improvement Program (WRIP) (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-676 APPROVED Pass ▶ jump to 108:32
  32. 27 SEPARATE CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS ▶ jump to 5:28
  33. 28 OPEN SESSION ▶ jump to 128:13
  34. 1. Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 1, in the amount of $20,970,606 AB2025-707 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 69:45
  35. 29 CONSENT AGENDA ▶ jump to 167:03
  36. 29 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-707 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  37. 30 (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) ▶ jump to 167:03
  38. 2. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for Conservation Futures purposes for 2026 AB2025-719 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 94:17
  39. 1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Parametrix, Inc. to develop a comprehensive Subwatershed Master Plan as an addendum to the 2008 Lake Whatcom Comprehensive Stormwater Plan, in the amount of $298,741 AB2025-740 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  40. 31 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-719 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  41. 2. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and City of Bellingham to provide partial funding for Whatcom County’s 2025-2026 Severe Weather Shelter, in the amount of $100,000 AB2025-741 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  42. 3. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County Road purposes for 2026 AB2025-721 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 100:15
  43. 3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Fire Protection District 7 for the provision of the Paramedic Training Program, in the amount of $345,537 AB2025-742 ▶ jump to 167:03
  44. 33 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-721 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  45. 4. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Marysville Fire District for the provision of the paramedic training program, in the amount of $136,200 AB2025-743 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  46. 4. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for countywide emergency medical purposes for 2026 AB2025-723 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 101:23
  47. 5. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Camano Fire and Rescue for the provision of the paramedic training program, in the amount of $55,600 AB2025-744 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  48. 35 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-723 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  49. 6. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Geneva Consulting Services to support coordination of the Whatcom Local Integrating Organization (LIO), in the amount of $291,068 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-747 ▶ jump to 167:03
  50. 5. Ordinance authorizing the levy of taxes for County and State purposes in Whatcom County, Washington, for the year of 2026 AB2025-725 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 102:00
  51. 7. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Compass Health to lease space within the crisis stabilization center for the provision of mental health treatment services, in the amount of $24,000 AB2025-751 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  52. 37 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-725 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  53. 8. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and San Juan County to provide Veteran Service Officer services to San Juan County resident veterans, in the amount of $10,000 AB2025-752 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  54. 9. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology to fund administrative support and action projects for the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), in the amount of $252,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-753 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  55. 10. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to lease space within the crisis stabilization center for the provision of withdrawal management services, in the amount of $24,000 AB2025-758 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  56. 11. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Commerce to receive CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds in support of public services, in the amount of $130,000 AB2025-759 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  57. 41 Public testimony was received on the two files above.
  58. 12. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to lease space within the crisis stabilization center for the provision of food services, in the amount of $24,000 AB2025-760 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  59. 42 SEPARATE CONSIDERATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS ▶ jump to 5:28
  60. 13. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to provide permanent supportive housing services at Francis Place, in the amount of $555,446, for a total amended contract amount of $833,169 AB2025-762 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  61. 6. Resolution adopting 2026 budget for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Subzones (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-711 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 104:34
  62. 14. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal cost-share agreement between Whatcom County and the Laurel Watershed Improvement District (LWID) for the Neevel Levee Cougar Creek Fish Passage Project, in the amount of $10,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-763 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  63. 44 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-711 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  64. 15. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the provision of the paramedic training program, in the amount of $1,008,442 AB2025-764 ▶ jump to 167:03
  65. 7. Resolution authorizing the levy of taxes for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District for 2026 (Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-709 HEARD PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND REFERRED TO COMMITTEE Pass ▶ jump to 106:34
  66. 16. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Washington Wildlife and Recreation Forestland Preservation grant program for the acquisition of a forestry conservation easement on the Canyon Creek Forest property through the Conservation Easement Program (CEP) in the amount of $500,000 AB2025-765 ▶ jump to 167:03
  67. 46 Motion approved 7-0 to hold AB2025-709 and keep the public hearing open, to be continued on December 2nd, and to place this item in Committee of the Whole on November 18th for discussion.
  68. 17. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to pass through CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds for the delivery of public services to low and moderate income residents in the amount of $126,500 AB2025-766 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  69. 18. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an amendment to the Regional Economic Partnership Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham, and the City of Bellingham to restructure financial commitments for fiscal years 2026-2027, with no change to Whatcom County’s financial contribution AB2025-767 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  70. 19. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Commerce for a grant to Whatcom County through The Local Community Projects Program for Nooksack Water Adjudication Facility Needs, in the amount of $1,212,500 AB2025-775 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  71. 20. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three-year agreement, using the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint Master Agreement #AR2474 and State of Washington Participating Addendum #05116, between Whatcom County and Century Link Communications, LLC dba Lumen Technologies Group (CenturyLink) for telecommunication access lines and services, in the amount of $144,849 AB2025-777 AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:03
  72. 21. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Euna Solutions, Inc. to purchase budget and reporting software for the financial system in the amount of $441,159.37 AB2025-787 SUBSTITUTE AUTHORIZED BY CONSENT Pass ▶ jump to 167:04
  73. 52 OTHER ITEMS ▶ jump to 177:06
  74. 53 (From Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee) ▶ jump to 177:07
  75. 1. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three-year contract between Whatcom County and Correctional Healthcare Partners Inc. for the provision of jail healthcare and juvenile detention nursing services, in the three-year total amount of $22,896,000 AB2025-730 SUBSTITUTE AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 177:14
  76. 2. Resolution approving the 2026 recommended convention center allocations for tourism-related facilities and activities as defined through RCW 67.28.1816 AB2025-770 APPROVED Pass ▶ jump to 182:13
  77. 55 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.
  78. 3. Request authorization for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office to enter into a lease agreement between Whatcom County and Ryanna LLC for the lease of office and storage space for the Sheriff’s Office at 4600 Ryzex Way, Bellingham AB2025-782 AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 184:02
  79. 57 (From Council Planning and Development Committee) ▶ jump to 202:03
  80. 4. Resolution approving recommendation on an application for open space current use assessment AB2025-769 SUBSTITUTE APPROVED Pass ▶ jump to 202:09
  81. 59 COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS ▶ jump to 233:40
  82. 59 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.
  83. 1. Appointment to a vacancy on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee, EMS Paramedic Position, Applicant(s): Jonathan Oliveira AB2025-732 APPOINTED Pass ▶ jump to 233:56
  84. 2. Appointment to a vacancy on the Public Health Advisory Board, applicant(s): Alan Lifson AB2025-748 APPOINTED Pass ▶ jump to 234:35
  85. 62 CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS ▶ jump to 234:57
  86. 1. Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Laura Hanna to the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee AB2025-772 CONFIRMED Pass ▶ jump to 235:10
  87. 2. Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Tannis Peura to the Whatcom County Behavioral Health Advisory Committee AB2025-774 CONFIRMED Pass ▶ jump to 235:50
  88. 65 ITEMS ADDED BY REVISION ▶ jump to 236:10
  89. 66 COMMITTEE REPORTS, OTHER ITEMS, AND COUNCILMEMBER UPDATES ▶ jump to 236:17
  90. 67 ADJOURN ▶ jump to 244:26
  91. 69 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.
  92. 71 THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW.
  93. 77 CONSENT AGENDA CONSIDERED SEPARATELY ▶ jump to 167:03
  94. 3. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and Whatcom Fire Protection District 7 for the provision of the Paramedic Training Program, in the amount of $345,537 AB2025-742 AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 173:05
  95. 6. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between Whatcom County and Geneva Consulting Services to support coordination of the Whatcom Local Integrating Organization (LIO), in the amount of $291,068 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors) AB2025-747 AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 173:29
  96. 15. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the provision of the paramedic training program, in the amount of $1,008,442 AB2025-764 AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 174:29
  97. 16. Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement between Whatcom County and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Washington Wildlife and Recreation Forestland Preservation grant program for the acquisition of a forestry conservation easement on the Canyon Creek Forest property through the Conservation Easement Program (CEP) in the amount of $500,000 AB2025-765 AUTHORIZED Pass ▶ jump to 175:19
  98. 89 Motion approved to amend the motion (to approve) and that they approve the substitute resolution as presented.
  99. 98 MOTION 1 Motion approved 5-0 with Byrd and Donovan out of the meeting to request that the Executive prepare a 2025 budget amendment, to include in the next supplemental budget ordinance scheduled for introduction on November 18th, that will allow a contract amendment to provide flexibility to the food banks to spend 2026 funding in 2025.
  100. 99 MOTION 2 Motion approved 5-0 with Byrd and Donovan out of the meeting to appoint Councilmembers Scanlon to serve as a representative on the Risk Management Working Group through the end of the year (after which the role will revert to the Finance Committee chair).